asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the many varying schemes for railway communication from Europe and the Mediterranean to India which are now occupying the public attention, whether he would appoint a small committee of expert authorities on somewhat the same lines as the Select Committee of the House of Commons on the Euphrates Valley Railway in 1871 and 1872, to consider and report upon the pros and cons of the projects, with special reference to the British-Indian and Imperial interests involved at the present day?

It would not be desirable to adopt the proposal of the Noble Lord. The subject involves commercial, strategical, and political considerations, and has been dealt with in consultation with the Government of India, the Committee of Defence, and the different Government Departments concerned, all of which have access to what must remain confidential information.

asked what protection will be afforded by the British Government to the rights of British subjects holding property in Portugal who have complied with the terms of the decree issued by the provisional Government of Portugal?

The hon. Member no doubt refers to the decree issued on 31st December, 1910, by the Portuguese Government. This decree, of which a translation was published in the "London Gazette" on 25th April last, pronounced the forfeiture to the State of the properties of religious associations in Portugal, under certain conditions, and laid down the procedure which must be followed by any claimants desiring to establish a rightful title to the ownership of confiscated properties. His Majesty's Minister at Lisbon formally reserved all rights that British subjects might possess in respect of the properties affected. On further representations from His Majesty's Government, the Portuguese Government have given an assurance that any decision adverse to British claims may, at an early stage of the proceedings, be referred to arbitration at The Hague.

asked what is the reason why in the second Peace Conference (Conventions) Bill, as originally presented to the House, the Union of South Africa was not mentioned in Clause 1, Sub-section (4); and why in the revised Bill the Union of South Africa is expressly referred to?

The words "Union of South Africa" were omitted by inadvertence in the Bill as originally introduced in the House.

asked if anyone had been designated to succeed the late Sir Eldon Gorst in Egypt; and was the office of Consul-General regarded by the Foreign Office as a civil or a military appointment?

Lord Kitchener has been offered, and has accepted, the post of His Majesty's Agent and Consul-General in Egypt. It is a civil appointment. I am confident that the qualities possessed by Lord Kitchener, his special knowledge and experience of Egyptian affairs, and his impartiality and capacity make the appointment one that should command general confidence.

Would it not be better to keep our soldiers to their own proper job? Are we not fast becoming an army-ridden nation?

Lord Kitchener has shown great capacity not only as a soldier. The appointment in Egypt is an exceedingly difficult one to fill, as everyone knows. It requires special knowledge, special experience, and special qualities. I do not know anyone who possesses this special knowledge, special experience, and special qualities in so high a degree as Lord Kitchener.

Is there any truth in the rumour that Lord Kitchener made certain conditions on acepting this appointment, and can we have those conditions made public?

No; there are no conditions at all made. The appointment was offered and accepted in the usual way. Of course, before Lord Kitchener goes out to Egypt, the policy to be followed in Egypt, and the questions which have to be dealt with in Egypt, would be the subject of discussion between him and His Majesty's Government; but the appointment was offered and accepted unconditional.

Is all the money we have spent in making a soldier of him to be thrown away?

Is it not the fact that Lord Kitchener filled several appointments in the early part of his-career in the very country in which he is now appointed?

I do not know what appointments Lord Kitchener has filled, but it seems to me whichever way the money has been spent, whether the career has been military or civil, it should be no bar whatever to his being appointed to a post for which he has special qualities.

When the policy has been agreed upon, and the instructions to Lord Kitchener have been given, will these be submitted to the House of Commons?

I do not propose to depart from previous practice. Lord Kitchener's appointment does not involve any change of policy, but between the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and the representative in Egypt there is constantly dis- cussion. It takes place every year when the Consul-General returns home on leave, and of course will take place before he goes out there this year.

Was not Lord Cromer a soldier also?

May we take it that this appointment does not designate any change in the general policy of His Majesty's Government in Egypt?

Certainly, it does not designate any change in the general policy of His Majesty's Government in Egypt. It simply means that the knowledge and experience and capacity which Lord Kitchener has in a very high degree are to be utilised by the State.

Why was not that knowledge and experience given to the War Office?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he has received intelligence from consular or other sources that 16,000 Albanian shepherds with their flocks have been penned in on the plains, which are swampy and malarious, below Drina, and are suffering hardships and sickness through lack of provisions and medical aid; and whether His Majesty's Government will endeavour to obtain permission for Red Cross League operations to be undertaken in that district without delay?

His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Cettinje reports that, on account of the insurrection in Northern Albania the Turkish troops this summer prevented some hundreds of Albanians, who had descended with their families and flocks in the winter to the marshy district south of Scutari, from returning to their homes in the mountains. According to a statement of the Turkish Minister in Montenegro, these people were free to return to their homes some weeks ago. I have no official information to the effect that they are in want of food or medical aid, though I am aware that very distressing accounts of sufferings in Albania have come from private and independent sources. It is not possible for His Majesty's Government to undertake relief operations, but they would do their best to secure facilities either in Montenegro or Albania for any private and independent organisation that desired to collect and distribute relief to non-combatants.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state when the consular report will be received?

No, Sir, but I will inquire.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is able to communicate to the House any despatches received from his Majesty's Minister at Cettinje showing the number of Albanian refugees in Montenegro, and whether they are being fed by the Montenegrin Government or by private gifts; and whether he will endeavour to utilise the services of His Majesty's ships in supplying canvas tents for the encampments of the women and children who have been driven from their homes by the Turkish troops?

His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Cettinje reports that the most correct estimate which can be given at the present moment of the number of Albanian refugees in Montenegro is 10,000. They are receiving half a kilogram of maize per head as daily rations from the Montenegrin Government, but nothing else, the gifts of money from the Montenegrin authorities having ceased some months ago. The refugees on the frontier are no doubt assisted to some extent by the villagers. I have already in my previous answer replied to the last part of this question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the fact that Brevet-Colonel Bannerman, Indian Medical Service, has been nominated as Surgeon-General to the Madras Government; if so, can any explanation be given as to why that officer has been promoted over the heads of several officers who are his seniors in the service, and have not only higher medical qualifications, but have greater administrative experience, some having distinguished war service in addition, which Colonel Bannerman does not possess?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is "No"; the second part, therefore, does not arise.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell me why one of the senior officers has not been appointed?

The hon. Member's question was whether ray attention has been called to the fact that Brevet-Colonel Bannerman has been nominated as Surgeon-General to the Madras Government. My attention has not been called to the fact, and I have no information whatever.

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiry in this case?

There is no vacancy in the appointment, and as it is the duty of the Madras Government to deal with the matter, I think it is better to wait until the name has been submitted.

asked the Undersecretary of State for India whether the Secretary of State has any official information as to the cause of the attack made last November by 800 men on the village of Myinma in Burmah; whether the alleged insurgents are being prosecuted before a military or a civil court, and upon what charges; whether they have any right of appeal if convicted; and can he say whether the Secretary of State has received any report showing in what way the inhabitants of the forty-seven villages upon whom additional police have been quartered for two years were concerned in or responsible for the attack made by these 800 men?

When my hon. Friend put down his former question on this subject the Secretary of State telegraphed to the Government of India for a report, and I gave to the hon. Member last Tuesday the substance of their reply. I am not in a position to give any further information pending the receipt of the report which the Government of India say they are sending by post.

May I ask whether they have got hold of the real offenders?

I do not know anything about it except what is contained in the telegram which was read to the hon. Member. When I get further information I will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Undersecretary of State for India whether he is now in a position to give the House any information concerning the railway accident at Dinapur on 5th April; and whether any political significance can be attached thereto.

At 5.35 a.m. on the 5th April an express from Delhi to Howrah was derailed between Neoza and Sadisopur on the East India Railway, five coaches being overturned. It was found that an outside rail had been removed from the down line, and the up line had been tampered with. One person was-killed, three seriously injured, and twenty-nine slightly injured. On the information acquired so far the Bengal Government consider that no political significance can be attached to the outrage, which appears to have been perpetrated by train thieves with the object of loot.

May I ask whether the India Office are considering what action they ought to take to put an end to the circulation of misleading reports on matters of this kind, and whether the India Press Law cannot be applied to Reuter's Agency and similar agencies which circulate false information?

It is always a rash thing to attribute motives for outrages and crimes, and no one deprecates more than the Secretary of State the habit of attributing to such outrages in India a political significance which does not attach to them.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he can now state what steps the War Office have taken, or are proposing to take, to develop the use of the aeroplane for military purposes, particularly with regard to the following points: the training of officers and men as aviators at civilian schools, the enlistment and training of an adequate corps of aeroplane mechanics, the adequate remuneration of officers and men employed in this hazardous service, and the offering of prizes and other inducements to civilian manufacturers who are prepared to design and construct special aeroplanes in accordance with War Office specifications and requirements?

had given notice of the-following question: To ask the Undersecretary of State for War whether it is intended to give a bonus to officers who obtain pilots' certificates privately, and, if so, what sum is to be allowed them; and whether representations have been made that extra pay should be given to officers of the Air Battalion corresponding to submarine pay in the Navy?

The question of offering a prize or prizes for aeroplanes suitable for military use is receiving careful consideration, but there are difficulties to be overcome, and I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this point. The Army Council has been carefully considering the numbers of trained observers necessary for our present war requirements, and has come to the conclusion that eighty or one hundred officers who are also pilots are required. As our present arrangements do not admit of opportunities for training so large a number, the Army Council is in communication with the various civilian schools of aviation in regard to the training of selected officers and the terms they would consider sufficient; and it is proposed to make a grant in aid of the expenses of such training. This covers the first point raised in the question of the hon. Member for Wells (Mr. Sandys). When these officers have obtained their pilot's certificates and been finally approved by the military authorities as skilled airmen they will be classed as Army airmen and a distinguishing mark will be placed opposite their name in the Army List. They will be attached to the Air Battalion for refresher courses at specified intervals. The training of so large a number will necessarily take some time, but a commencement will be made with the least possible delay. A considerable number of mechanics with special knowledge will eventually be necessary, and they will be enlisted as required. As regards remuneration, officers of the Air Battalion and aviation officers when attached will receive engineer pay in addition to regimental pay, and it is proposed to give such further pay or allowances as will in the opinion of the Army Council make the total remuneration adequate. The Army Council is in communication with the Admiralty and the Treasury as to this, and I hope to be able shortly to make a further statement. This covers the second point raised in question No. 26^*. The question of the grant of special non-effective allowances to officers and men in cases of accident when engaged in aviation is under consideration.

May I ask, in regard to the first point, whether, whilst the War Office are considering and making up their mind on the special features of an ideal aeroplane, which may take some time, they will consider the advisability of purchasing an adequate number of machines of such types as have been proved as thoroughly suited to military requirements by foreign Governments, who have more experience in this matter than we have?

We have recently purchased some more aeroplanes, and we will continue to purchase them as and when required, but, as the hon. Gentleman knows, the advance of this science is so rapid that to buy a great number would be a very great mistake.

May I ask whether steps are being taken to train officers simply as observers, apart from the expensive course of making them pilots?

As I explained in the more important part of my reply, it is proposed that from eighty to 100 officers shall be trained as pilots. Of course, their principal purpose will be to observe, but they will also be pilots.

asked whether there are now on Salisbury Plain only five sheds available for aeroplanes; and whether it is intended to provide additional sheds for the "Valkyrie" machines recently presented by Mr. Barber?

There are five sheds now on Salisbury Plain belonging to the Army, and they will hold seven aeroplanes. Another double shed to hold four aeroplanes will shortly be built.

asked whether there are at present on Salisbury Plain only three qualified aeroplane mechanicians; and whether, for the safety of officers and others engaged on aeroplane work, this number will be increased immediately?

There are three qualified aeroplane mechanicians at Salisbury Plain and another will shortly be sent there. There are two more at Farnborough on probation.

Are we to understand that there are only to be five mechanics in the immediate future?

Oh, no! In my previous answer I said that these special mechanics with a knowledge of this work will be enlisted as required.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the official statement that five officers of the Air Battalion are at present engaged in aeroplane work on Salisbury Plain, employing Government aeroplanes, he will state the names of such officers with a list of the aeroplanes at present in use by them?

There are six officers of the Air Battalion engaged on aeroplane work on Salisbury Plain, namely, Captains Fulton and Burke, and Lieutenants Cammell, Reynolds, Barrington-Kennett and Connor. The aeroplanes there are one Farman biplane and three Bristol biplanes. Two more Bristol biplanes are to be delivered there this week and another in three weeks' time.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware whether any officer has been engaged on a machine' of his own and not on a Government aeroplane?

There is more than one officer who has a machine of his own, and it is very desirable that there should be.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the troops on duty during the Royal visits to Edinburgh and Dublin will be given the Coronation medal on the same terms as those who were on duty in London at the Coronation?

I am not in a position to make any statement on this point at present.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will consider this question in relation to the troops employed at Carnarvon under similar circumstances?

That does not arise put of the answer.

asked the Under-Secre-tary of State for War whether he can now state if arrangements have been made to sell obsolete ammunition to rifle clubs at reduced prices; and whether the distribution will be made through the county associations or through the National Rifle Association?

It has been decided to sell old ammunition to rifle clubs at reduced rates varying with the age. The precise details are now being considered.

asked whether officers of the Special Reserve have to fire a revolver course; and, if so, whether the ammunition for the same has not been available at the Ordnance?

Revolver practice for the Special Reserve was only approved last May. This involves a large increase in the amount of ammunition required which is not yet available, but the supply will be expedited.

asked the Under-Secretary for War with what ammunition he intends to replace the existing reserve store of ammunition, which has been depleted and is being used up for current practice?

Steps have been taken to obtain a further supply of Mark VI. ammunition to fill up the reserve until the issue of resighted rifles and Mark VII. ammunition commences.

asked whether instructions have been given to officers commanding, allowing them discretion as to cutting trenches round tents of men in camp in wet weather?

The question of digging trenches rests with the discretion of the officer commanding the camp, provided that in the case of hired land the terms of the hiring do not preclude such digging.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that commanding officers last year were fined for allowing these trenches to be dug when the water was coming into the tents?

I suppose that was in cases where the terms of the hiring precluded such digging. But it is undesirable that such a state 'of affairs should occur. Inquiry should always be made.

I have it first hand. Army officers were fined.

It should have been reported. I shall be glad of any information that the hon. and gallant Gentleman can give me.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the fact that in the ten years ending December, 1905, which years included the period of the Boer War, the yield of Consols rose by 4s. 7d., namely, from £2 11s. 5d. to £2 16s., while during the period commencing in December, 1905, and ending last month, the yield increased by 6s. 8d., namely, from £2 16s. to £3 2s. 8d.; and whether, under these circumstances, he is prepared to increase the sum devoted to the extinction of debt?

The hon. Member has apparently ignored in his calculation of the yield in 1895 the effect of the prospective fall in the rate of interest in 1903. The average yield in the month of December, 1895, was in fact about £2 7s. 7d., and the increase of yield between that date and 31st December, 1905, about 8s. 5d.—not 4s. 7d. as stated in the question. Otherwise the figures given are approximately correct. What bearing (if any) these figures may have upon the question whether it is desirable to increase the present provision for the redemption of debt is a matter which I cannot with advantage discuss within the limits of a reply to a Parliamentary question,

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to take any steps to restore the national credit to what it was?

I may point out that between the dates covered by these questions the increase in Consol debt was £64,000,000. In the period that has elapsed since 1905 the decrease has been £23,000,000.

Is it not a fact that the increased yield was 4s. 7d. as stated in the question, remembering always that the interest is reduced from 2¾ to 2½ per cent., which has to be considered when a calculation is made?

No, I have already pointed out that the statement was inaccurate.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Transvaal Draft Municipal Ordinance has yet been passed by the Transvaal Provincial Council; whether the Ordinance as drafted is ultra vires of the South Africa Act of 1909; whether he has received any representations from or on behalf of the Transvaal Indians in respect thereto; and what action he intends taking in regard to such representations?

According to the most recent official information in the possession of the Secretary of State for the Colonies the Transvaal Local Government Ordinance was referred to a Select Committee of the Transvaal Council. He has received a copy of the petition of the Chairman of the British Indian Association against the Bill, and he is in communication with the Union Government on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many aliens have been registered at the Labour Exchanges during the five weeks ending 30th June, and in how many cases were aliens recommended for vacancies during that period?

The number of cases in which there was any reason to believe that applicants registering at the Labour Exchanges in the United Kingdom during the five weeks ending 30th June were not of British nationality was 159, and in fifty-three cases the applicants-proved, on inquiry, to be aliens who had resided within the United Kingdom less than six months. During the period ten aliens were placed in situations through the Labour Exchanges.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the officials of his Department are bound by a rule that only companies which, being otherwise eligible, have paid minimum dividends of five per cent. for five years preceding the date of their application, can be placed on the approved list for guarantee business; and, seeing this rule is so applied that a company which has earned 5 per cent. and distributed it in dividends, making no provision for reserve, is placed in a better position than a stronger company which has earned more than 5 per cent., but paid only 44 per cent., employing the balance in building up a strong reserve, will he consider a modification of the rule so as to have regard to the test of security afforded by earnings and reserves, rather than by the amount distributed?

Before an insurance company can be placed on the Board of Trade's approved list for guarantee business, it must comply with certain conditions which were carefully laid down by the Board of Trade many years ago. One of those conditions requires the payment by the insurance company in question of a 5 per cent. dividend for five consecutive years. Payment of a dividend at this rate does not, however, secure the admission of the company to the approved list unless satisfactory provision has also been made for reserves. I am sure that the hon. Member will recognise the necessity for some definite rule, and that he will agree-that the rule, so long as it remains in. force, must be applied to all companies alike. As at present advised, I see no-reason for a reduction of the minimum rate of dividend required.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a circular was issued to the branch labour exchanges by the divisional officer of the London and South - Eastern Division stating that no members of the staff were to make application for increase of salary this year; will he say whether this is a contravention of the agreement made with the staff on appointment; and whether substantial increases have been given to a portion of the staff while others, although doing higher grade work, have received no increase?

A circular was issued by the divisional officer stating that applications for an increase of salary from registration clerks should only be forwarded, except in special circumstances, in January of each year. This instruction did not apply to officers whose terms of engagement provided for an annual increment in their salary, and it contravened no agreement. It is obviously impossible to deal fairly with applications for increases of salary unless some rule is laid down which enables them to be considered together, so far as practicable, at fixed intervals. No doubt some of the staff have had advances and some not, but the claims of the whole staff were fully considered, and I have no reason to doubt that the proper increases have been given.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the numerous accidents, fatal and otherwise, which happen to persons employed as window cleaners; whether figures of the accidents show exceptional risks in this work; and whether any regulations have been framed or other provisions made by his Department to increase the security in the ladders and other apparatus used?

The Secretary of State is making inquiries into this matter, but they are not yet complete. So far as they go they do not lead him to think that the risks of this nature are exceptional— as regards London at least. If the hon. Member has any special information in his possession my right hon. Friend will be glad to consider it.

asked the Postmaster-General when the town sub-post office for the business centre of Boscombe will be established; what position has been chosen; and whether the accommodation provided in the new premises will be as great as that in the old post office?

It is hoped to establish a new town sub-office at Boscombe simultaneously with the transfer of the present branch office to the new site. The date has not been fixed and the situation of the sub-office will depend on the applications made for the position of sub-postmaster, which will be advertised in the usual way. Adequate accommodation for the public will be provided.

asked whether the contract for home safes which was granted to the C. O. Burns Company was cancelled on 20th March; and whether, before the contract was given to Fiscus, Limited, another firm tendered for the contract at 1s. 8d. per safe?

:I was advised that any rights conferred upon the C. O. Burns Company by the acceptance of their tender was duly assigned by them to Mr. C. O. Burns, but that, for legal reasons, it was expedient to send to the C. O. Burns Company, of New York, a formal determination of any contract as between them and the Post Office based upon their tender and the acceptance of it by the Post Office, before a contract was formally entered into with Fiscus, Limited, the company promoted by Mr. C. O. Burns. But this proceeding obviously gave me no moral right to repudiate my acceptance of the C. O. Burns Company's tender, and to throw the contract open to fresh tenders. Had it been so opened, however, other firms, besides the one to which the hon. Member refers, should, of course, have had an opportunity of competing. The only valid tender which I have been in a position to entertain from the firm which the hon. Member has apparently in mind was their original tender of 2s. 6d. per safe.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the port of Agadir is a good natural harbour; and whether there is a good anchorage there for men-o'-war, and up to what size?

There is no natural harbour at Agadir. There is good anchorage for vessels of any size in the open roadstead well sheltered from the prevailing north-easterly winds, but which becomes dangerous when westerly winds occur.

If there is safe anchorage, why should not a British man-o'-war be sent there?

That question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

Is. it not safe for British men-o'-war to go there?

The answer already given explains that fully.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he can notify the school attendance authorities that a mother is legally entitled to keep her child at home if her illness makes the assistance of the child necessary for the care of her household?

The institution of prosecutions under the law relating to school attendance is a matter for the local education authorities, and it is for the justices, or, on appeal, the Court of King's Bench, to interpret the law.

Is there no way of preventing these poor women from being put in that position?

The hon. Gentleman may communicate with the local education authority.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether it is stipulated by the Duchy that all insurances of buildings effected by Duchy tenants under their leases should be placed in one particular office; and for what reason the requests of tenants for permission to insure in other offices of repute is refused?

It is stipulated by the Duchy that all insurances of buildings effected by Duchy tenants under their leases should be placed in one particular office of good standing. The reason that requests of Duchy tenants for permission to insure in other offices are refused is that, as a matter of estate management, it is convenient that all insurances should be in one office, and special arrangements have been made with that office beneficial to the Duchy interest, and which it would be impossible to arrange with a variety of offices. Moreover, if full freedom were given, to tenants, it would be very difficult and invidious for the Chancellor to determine whether any particular office suggested was of such standing that he could accept it.

Is this the favourable way in which the State treats its tenants?

I cannot answer that.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the making of a small panel of two or three offices of good repute?

I will represent to my right hon. Friend what my hon. Friend says.

asked the hon. Member for Southampton, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, when the building erected as an annexe to the west end of Westminster Abbey will be removed?

The First Commissioner of Works anticipates that the structure in question will be removed by the 19th of next month.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman thinks it advisable, instead of selling this by auction, to keep it as an annexe to the House of Lords for hon. Members when they are made peers?

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he has now received a statement giving particulars of overtime worked by the preventive men of His Majesty's Customs at Cardiff; and whether he can explain why these men are neither paid for their extra work nor have they any compensating reduction of hours on other days?

I have received the statement referred to, and am causing inquiries to be made. I will acquaint the hon. Member with the result.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners have communicated to the owner the sum they are prepared to advance for the purchase of the holding of John McGiff, tenant on the estate of Thomas C. Fagan, Rathmore, Ballymahon, county Longford, Record No. E.C. 8,541; and will they in this case insist on having a purchase agreement for such a fair sum lodged as the Commissioners in other cases have done?

The reply to both paragraphs of the question is in the negative. The advances in respect of this estate were made in February last. McGiff is a judicial tenant, and the terms of an agreement to purchase his holding under the Land Purchase Acts is a matter for arrangement between the parties.

asked the Prime Minister if he can state when the Resolution on Payment of Members will be placed upon the Paper; and when he can give a day for its discussion?

I am sorry that my right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to give a definite answer to my hon. Friend's question.

If I put this question down next week will I get a definite reply, or will it be postponed again?

I think that is a question which the hon. Member should put to the Leader of the House.

While the Government are making up their minds as to the date on which this Resolution is to be moved, will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to put the terms of the Motion, which are of great interest to the Members of the House, on the Paper?

The Government will consider that.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the question was put down at the request of the Prime Minister?

I am not.

asked, with regard to Civil List pensions, whether any consideration is given to the position of persons who have devoted long years of service entirely to social welfare or working-class betterment; if so, whether the right hon. Gentleman can state the number of cases; and whether the case of their survivors who are in need of help will be dealt with under the Civil List Act?

Where such services can be shown to come within the scope of the Civil List Acts, claims based thereon—including those of relatives—are given full consideration. As an instance, the hon. Member will see, if he refers to the Return of Civil Pensions issued a few days ago, that one such pension was awarded last year.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any other instance?

indicated a negative reply.

asked the Prime Minister whether the prospective addition to the numbers of the Upper House will consist chiefly of landlords; and whether he will give an opportunity to the House to discuss the Resolution standing in the name of the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme?

Before the right hon. Gentleman replies, may I ask, having regard to the hon. Gentleman's obvious anxiety not to be excluded from the list, whether the right hon. Gentleman will not recommend him for a peerage at once?

May I ask, Sir, whether an offensive remark of that kind with regard to an hon. Member is in order?

On the point of Order. Are we to have an answer?

I put the point of Order seriously.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer is going to give an answer.

The first part of the question appears to deal with a hypothetical situation. The answer to the second part is in the negative.

May I ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as representing the Prime Minister, whether he will see that these appointments are not, as has been suggested in the Press, drawn entirely from the landlord class in order that we may have all points of view represented?

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the House any assurance that the Government will have any guarantees from the gentlemen to be made peers that they will vote straight?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireand whether steps will be taken to secure to the library in University College, Dublin, formerly the library of the Royal University of Ireland, under the provisions of the Copyright Bill, the same privileges accorded under that Bill to the Welsh University, regard being had to the advantage of such a concession to the newly established National University of Ireland and the circumstances that the funds at the disposal of the librarian will not allow of a generous purchase of books for the equipment of a library fitting to a great seat of learning?

(for the Chief Secretary for Ireland): I am afraid that I can give no encouragement to any proposal to add further to the number of copies of books which publishers are required to furnish gratuitously to libraries.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is a very hard thing that Wales should get an advantage from which Ireland is excluded?

Scotland, Ireland, and England already have this privilege. Under the Copyright Bill it was granted to Wales. Ireland has it through Trinity College.

Is Trinity College to have an advantage from which the National University is excluded?

asked whether the Chief Secretary's attention has been called to a resolution passed by the King's County County Council, at its annual meeting held on 14th June, to the effect that the council, as the local authority liable for the payment of extra police now employed at Rathgibbon, on the estate of the late Captain French, call upon the Estates Commissioners to have this farm inspected and allotted without further delay, and thereby remove the only cause of trouble in the district; and whether he will take steps to have effect given to this resolution?

My attention has been called to the resolution referred to. I am informed that there are no extra police employed in connection with the Rathgibbon farm. This estate is the subject of direct sale proceedings under the Irish Land Act, 1903. Purchase agreements have been lodged by the vendor in respect of the lands of Rathgibbon, and the Estates Commissioners have no power to interfere with the allotment of them by the vendor.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he can give particulars of the latest outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease which occurred yesterday, near Rye, in the county of Sussex; whether the cause of such outbreak is known to-the Board; whether any connection has been traced between this outbreak and those which occurred recently at Hounslow in Middlesex; and what steps are being taken by the Board to prevent the further spread of this most highly infectious disease.

I much regret to say that there has been a fresh outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease at Road End Farm, Udimore, Rye, Sussex, occupier Mr. Robert P. Mair. Three cows, four calves, and one dead calf in the farmyard are affected. And one cow and calf were found affected on the marshes adjoining. These two were slaughtered last night. No connection has been traced with the Hounslow outbreak. The chief veterinary officer went down this morning to report fully on the outbreak. All the usual precautions for isolation have been taken, and orders prohibiting movement and closing markets are being issued.

In view of the now serious character of this disease in Great Britain, will the hon. Baronet consider the desirability of at once appointing a Departmental Committee to inquire into its cause?

I must ask the hon. Member to put a question on the Paper with regard to that. It is a very serious matter.